Home'scool Posted July 25, 2014 Share Posted July 25, 2014 When my mother passed away last month I agreed to take her cat. It has been such a long time since I have integrated a new cat into a household I would love any tips! I already have one cat who is old but very sweet. She has never been with another cat while I have had her so I don't know how she will react. I have two dogs: a corgi and a greater swiss mountain dog. Both get along fine with my current cat, although the corgi does like to try to "herd" her every once in a while. I have a large house -- should I limit the new cat to certain areas at first? The new cat has been allowed to go outside. I am debating continuing this as we have a large yard and safe surroundings, but how long until I can let it out without worrying about it not coming back? Should I have two litter boxes? Thanks for any tips! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ann.without.an.e Posted July 25, 2014 Share Posted July 25, 2014 Sorry for the loss of your mother :grouphug: I am sure she was concerned about her cat and the fact that you are taking it helped her have peace. Has your mother's cat had positive experiences with dogs? If not, this will be a huge issue. Give the cat a safe haven so that it isn't required to interact with the dogs in order to get to its food or litter. Maybe a separate bedroom or a baby gated area? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ann.without.an.e Posted July 25, 2014 Share Posted July 25, 2014 Also, I would limit it to the house for a while. It might seek to go "home" and wander off. It needs to connect with you and your home as its new place before giving it the free reign of the outdoors. Our cat is indoor only. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AK_Mom4 Posted July 25, 2014 Share Posted July 25, 2014 I would set the new cat up with a safe room - one with a door that can be closed for the first couple of days. Put the new cat's litter box and food in there and let it get used to the noises and smells of your house gradually. If the new cat wants to hide in the closet or under a bed for a week or so, that's perfectly normal. Your old cat will probably be curious. Let them sniff each other undert the door for a while before either cat invades the other's space. We have had great luck using the metal baby gates that have a small "pet door" in the middle to give our cat a "safe room" from the dogs (and to keep my nosy dogs out of the litter box!). Something like that might be nice for the new cat to ease the transition to living with dogs. You really need to keep it in the house for a while to prevent the new cat from trying to "go home". Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
happi duck Posted July 25, 2014 Share Posted July 25, 2014 (Hugs) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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